Time for defensive coordinators to go on alert: Rob Gronkowski may be back.

After sitting on the sidelines for the last five weeks as the offense sputtered and stalled, the New England Patriots All-Pro tight end has apparently sent out word that he will return to the field this week against the New Orleans Saints, according to a report by Pro Football Talk.

Gronkowski spent training camp on the physically unable to perform list following offseason back and forearm surgeries, and has spent the last five weeks practicing with his teammates. A report last week indicated that Gronkowski was medically cleared to return to the field as early as Week 2, though he did not feel comfortable enough with his health to do so.

PFT reported that Dr. James Andrews, who was the consultant on Gronkowski's forearm and not his back, will make the final call on whether the tight end plays.

New England has managed to compile a 4-1 record with Gronkowski on the sidelines, but the offense has lacked some of its signature firepower, as evidenced during Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. There have also been some struggles in the red zone and moments of awkwardness as quarterback Tom Brady attempts to break in a new cast of receivers.

Considering that Gronkowski has not touched a field since last January, it may take some time for him to get back to full speed. Asking him to play 50 snaps may be a bit unreasonable. But for now, simply having No. 87 back as an available option should pay dividends for the New England offense.